THE EVALUATION AND THE PROSPECT OF FEED ADDITIVE IN INDONESIA

Abstract

Feed additive is defined as an ingredient in small quantity with no significant
nutrient values but has positive effects on metabolisms, feed efficiency, health and
growth. The additives include antibiotics, acidifiers, enzymes, emulsifier, flavours,
colours, probiotics & medical herbs. Little information for the last two subjects in
Indonesia where plasm~nucleus system is a common practice in both for poultry and
beef production. The livestock mainly are kept by small holder farmers as plasms who often buy commercial concentrate to the nucleus. Although it is not much in ruminant production systems, the application of feed additive seems to be a must in poultry production systems. In brief, addition of feed additives in a diet improves animal production and profits. Research on this subject is challenging particularly using potentially local ingredients. Studies on medical herbs has been attractive. For the last 10 years, related national institutes, R & D from the Health Department and the Agriculture Department have agreed to put more attention on the subject. It is
summarised that utilization of feed additives in Indonesia is still limited and mainly in
commercial poultry feed/foreign feedmills. However, awareness of the advantageous of the additives in livestock production is recognised and trials and research using local feed additives are on progress.